80 
timberland. The annual cut in the State far exceeds the growth. Yet, with 
this excessive cutting, our present forests furnish only 30% of the timber 
we consume. It is extremely conservative to place the number of acres of ° 
timberland we should have at a million acres. How many acres of tim- 
berland does the State now own? Only 2,000 acres. When the State buys 
998,000 acres more, we can feel reasonably secure as to our future supply 
of timber. 
Our forests must be placed under scientific management. Our empirical 
knowledge of forest management must give way to such work as is being 
done on the Clark County State Forest. Here a study is being made on 
about 175 acres which is divided into about 75 plots on which have been 
planted and are growing 24 species of native trees. This study consists of 
making and recording observations on the species in the several plots to 
throw light upon some of the following problems: Why do not forest 
trees bear seed every year? Why are the seed more viable some years than 
others? The best time of year to gather the seed? How to handle and 
store them? When to plant the seed? How deep to plant them? What 
protection the seed and seedlings should have in the nursery? The size 
of the seedling to be planted? The best time of year to plant? The 
spacing required by each species? What cultivation, if any, the young trees 
should receive? The control of insects and diseases. Now these problems 
with others, must be worked out for each species separately, and on 
different sites, before the forester’s definition of forestry can be fulfilled. 
The facts of plant physiology, those of physical and colloidal chemistry 
and other sciences, must be used to penetrate the unknown of plant be- 
havior and response. The recent discovery and application of the laws 
of heredity offer a great opportunity to the forester. By breeding we 
have seen how quality and quantity have been greatly increased in both 
plants and animals, and it is reasonable to presume that in time, the for- 
ester will be able to double the growth rate of trees and greatly improve 
the quality of the wood. The nuts of the hickory and walnut will be im- 
proved as much as those of the pecan. 
It is believed that the ery of the people for relief from a timber famine 
will be heard. The response will come from a Legislature that will know 
no politics; heed no preferences or prejudices ; and will generously provide 
for State forests and their scientific management. 
THE DIVISION OF LANDS AND WATERS. 
Cuas. G. SAUERS. 
Recreation is necessary to the stability and physical welfare of the com- 
munity. The Lands and Waters Division is seeking to furnish recreation 
to a large share of the Hoosier public through the establishment of State 
Parks. Two are now maintained—Turkey Run in Parke County and Me- 
Cormick’s Creek Canyon in Owen County. There were 33,500 visitors to 
Turkey Run during the past season. Accessibility has been a great problem. 
